Magnetic Resonance Imaging prediction of large volume displacement oncoplastic surgery versus mastectomy in the treatment of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To analyse the influence of tumor volume/breast volume ratio (TV/BV ratio) measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other factors on surgeons' choice between large volume displacement oncoplastic surgery (LVOS) versus mastectomy (M) in patients with large sized tumors. Secondly, we investigate the predictive value of TV/BV ratio and other possible predictors for cosmetic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 80 MRI examinations performed on 77 breast cancer patients who underwent M (58 breasts, 72.5%) or LVOS (22 breasts, 27.5%) at our institution between January 2016 and December 2017. The TV and BV measurements were performed by a semiautomated analysis and the TV/BV ratio was calculated by dividing TV by BV in cm3 and multiplying it by 1,000. Cosmetic result was determined by an expert panel assessment of postoperative photographs. RESULTS: Median TV/BV was significantly higher in the M group (44,8 IQR 17,3-93,6) than in the LVOS group (17,5 IQR 11,7-57,5) (P=0.002). Multifocal/multicentric disease (P=0.005), lower degree of breast ptosis (P<0.0001) and unfavourable tumor location (P=0.024) are significantly more frequent in the M group. After multivariable linear regression, the independent predictors for cosmetic result were: unfavourable tumor location (OR 6.637 95% CI 1.564- 28.172 P=0.010) and a higher TV/BV ratio (OR 4.907 95% CI 1.461-16.478 P=0.010) CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of TV/BV ratio, tumor location and tumor multifocality/multicentricity could improve treatment decision making (LVOS versus M) in breast cancer patient eligible for both options. Increasing TV/BV ratio and unfavourable tumor location are adversely affecting cosmetic result. KEY WORDS: Breast cancer, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mastectomy, Large volume displacement oncoplastic surgery, Tumor volume/breast volume.

Ultrasound-guided preoperative localization of breast lesions: a good choice.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to verify whether ultrasound (US)-guided preoperative localization of breast lesions is an adequate technique for correct and safe surgical resection and to contribute positively and effectively to this topic in the literature with our results. METHODS: From June 2016 to November 2016, 155 patients with both benign and malignant breast lesions were selected from our institute to undergo US localization before surgery. The lesions included were: sonographically visible and nonpalpable lesions; palpable lesions for which a surgeon had requested US localization to better evaluate the site and extension; sonographically visible, multifocal breast lesions, both palpable and nonpalpable. US localization was performed using standard linear transducers (Siemens 18 L6, 5.5-8 MHz, 5.6 cm, ACUSON S2000 System, Siemens Medical Solutions). The radiologist used a skin pen to mark the site of the lesion, and the reported lesion's depth and distance from the nipple and pectoral muscle were recorded. The lesions were completely excised by a team of breast surgeons, and the surgical specimens were sent to the Radiology Department for radiological evaluation and to the Pathology Department for histological assessment. RESULTS: In 155 patients who underwent to preoperative US localization, 188 lesions were found, and the location of each lesion was marked with a skin pen. A total of 181 lesions were confirmed by the final histopathologic exam (96.28%); 132 of them (72.92%) were malignant, and 124 of these (93.93%) showed free margins. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided preoperative localization of sonographically visible breast lesions is a simple and nontraumatic procedure with high specificity and is a useful tool for obtaining accurate surgical margins.

A new risk stratification score for the management of ultrasound-detected B3 breast lesions.

To develop a predictive scoring system for ultrasound-detected B3 lesions at ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB). A total of 2724 consecutive US-CNBs performed in our Institution (January 2011 to December 2014) were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) histopathological examination of the entire lesion or (b) availability of radiologic follow-up (FUP) ≥24 months. Patient- and lesion-related variables-patients' age, lesion consistency, lesion size, vascularization, BI-RADS category, and US-CNB result-were analyzed. Positive predictive values (PPVs) for malignancy were calculated correlating US-CNB results with excision histology or FUP. A scoring system for underlying malignancy was developed using risk factors weighting. A total of 102 B3 lesions were included: 27 atypical ductal hyperplasia (26.5%), 5 lobular intraepithelial neoplasia (4.9%), 32 radial scar (31.4%), 37 papillary lesions (36.3%), and 1 fibroepithelial lesion (0.9%). Surgery was performed on 71/102 (69.6%) lesions, and 22/71 were malignant; the remaining 31/102 lesions (30.4%) were unchanged at FUP. The overall PPV for malignancy was 21.6%. Patients' age (odds ratio [OR] = 3.63, P = 0.008), lesion consistency (OR = 5.96, P = 0.001), BI-RADS category (OR = 17.52, P < 0.001), and CNB result (OR = 3.6, P = 0.008) were associated with a higher risk of malignancy underestimation and selected as risk factors in the score definition. Two risk groups were identified: low (0-2 points) and high risk (3-5 points), with significantly different risk of malignancy underestimation (8.0% vs 59.3%, P < 0.001). The proposed score helps to predict the risk of malignancy underestimation and choose the management of B3 lesions at US-CNB.

Automated Breast Ultrasonography (ABUS) in the Screening and Diagnostic Setting: Indications and Practical Use.

Automated breast ultrasonography (ABUS) is a new imaging technology for automatic breast scanning through ultrasound. It was first developed to overcome the limitation of operator dependency and lack of standardization and reproducibility of handheld ultrasound. ABUS provides a three-dimensional representation of breast tissue and allows images reformatting in three planes, and the generated coronal plane has been suggested to improve diagnostic accuracy. This technique has been first used in the screening setting to improve breast cancer detection, especially in mammographically dense breasts. In recent years, numerous studies also evaluated its use in the diagnostic setting: they showed its suitability for breast cancer staging, evaluation of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and second-look ultrasound after magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the current body of literature about the clinical performance of ABUS, summarize available evidence, and identify gaps in knowledge for future research.

Early detection of recurrence or progression disease in patients with ovarian cancer after primary debulking surgery. Correlation between CT findings and CA 125 levels.

BACKGROUND: There are no standard approaches for follow up in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients; the aim of this study is to evaluate correlation between computed tomography (CT) and CA 125 levels to assess early detection of recurrence or progression disease (PD). METHODS: We included 76 patients with AOC, who had prior debulking surgery, starting first or second line of chemotherapy and underwent follow-up CT examinations. Evaluation of tumor response to treatment by imaging was assessed using RECIST 1.1. Site of relapse was classified as: abdomen, chest and neck (observed in the upper chest scans). RESULTS: Change in CA 125 levels was calculated in respect previous evaluation at the end of treatment for each patient. The most suitable cut-offs could be identified in an increase in CA 125 levels >10.5% (sensitivity: 67.9%; specificity: 83.6%; LR+: 4.1; LR-: 0.4) in order to predict PD and in a change of -0.5% in order to exclude PD (sensitivity 83.0%; specificity: 69.6%; LR+: 2.7; LR-: 0.2). Site of relapse was abdomen (58.5%), abdomen and chest (33.9%), chest (3.8%), chest and neck (1.9%), and abdomen, chest and neck (1.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Increase in CA 125 levels >10.5% could be sufficiently predictive of PD requiring CT examination. Change of -0.5% is sufficiently predictive of absence of PD. Increase <10.5% and >0.5% needs clinical correlation to establish correct timing and extension of CT examination. Attention must be played in reducing number and extent of CT examinations to reduce exposure dose.

The morbidly adherent placenta: when and what association of signs can improve MRI diagnosis? Our experience.

PURPOSE: We aimed to verify whether combination of specific signs improves magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accuracy in morbidly adherent placenta (MAP). METHODS: MRI findings for MAP were retrospectively evaluated in 27 women. Histopathology was the reference standard, showing MAP in eight of 27 cases. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for all MRI signs. Two skilled radiologists analyzed MRI findings, resolving discrepancies by consensus, using three alternative diagnostic criteria during three consecutive sections. First criterion: at least one of reported MRI signs indicates MAP and the absence of any sign is normal; second criterion: at least one statistically significant sign indicates MAP and no sign or nonsignificant sign is normal; third criterion: at least two statistically significant signs indicate MAP and no sign, nonsignificant sign, or only one significant sign is normal. RESULTS: Using the first criterion yielded an unacceptable rate of false positive results (78.9%). Using the second criterion there were less false positive results (31.5%), and diagnostic accuracy of the second criterion was significantly higher than the first; the third criterion correctly classified 100% of cases. CONCLUSION: Only specific MRI signs can correctly predict MAP at histopathology, particularly when multiple (at least two) specific signs are observed together.

Effect of Needle Size in Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Breast Biopsy: Comparison of 14-, 16-, and 18-Gauge Needles.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) of breast lesions, comparing smaller needles (16- and 18-gauge) with the 14-gauge needle, and to analyze the lesion characteristics influencing US-CNB diagnostic performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All the patients provided informed consent before the biopsy procedure. The data from breast lesions that had undergone US-CNB in our institution from January 2011 to January 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criterion was the surgical histopathologic examination findings of the entire lesion or radiologic follow-up data for ≥ 24 months. The exclusion criterion was the use of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy. The US-CNB results were compared with the surgical pathologic results or with the follow-up findings in the 3 needle size groups (14-, 16-, and 18-gauge). The needle size- and lesion characteristic-specific diagnostic accuracy parameters were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using a dedicated software program, and P ≤ .01 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 1118 US-CNB cases (1042 patients) were included. Of the 1118 cases, 630 (56.3%) were in the 14-gauge group, 136 (12.2%) in the 16-gauge, and 352 (31.5%) in the 18-gauge needle group. Surgery was performed on 800 lesions (71.6%). Of these, 619 were malignant, 77 were high risk, and 104 were benign. The remaining 318 lesions (28.4%) underwent follow-up imaging studies. All the lesions were stable and, therefore, were considered benign. No differences were observed in the diagnostic accuracy parameters among the 3 needle size groups (P > .01). The false-negative rate was greater for lesions < 10 mm (7.2%) (P < .01) but without statistically significant differences among the 3 gauges (P > .01). CONCLUSION: US-CNB performed with small needles (16 and 18 gauge) had the same diagnostic accuracy as that performed with 14-gauge needles, regardless of the lesion characteristics.

Sensitivity of breast MRI for ductal carcinoma in situ appearing as microcalcifications only on mammography.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate sensitivity of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for mammographic microcalcifications-only ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), based on its histopathology and mammographic extent of microcalcifications. METHODS: Mammograms were reviewed to measure the extent of microcalcifications. Sensitivity of MRI was calculated in the overall study population and in groups differing for DCIS nuclear grade, microinvasivity, and microcalcifications' extent. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity of MRI was 78.3% for dynamic contrast enhanced and 66.7% for diffusion-weighted imaging and did not vary with nuclear grade and microinvasivity, while it increased with larger extent of microcalcifications (ExpB=1.063-1.046, P=.037-.013). CONCLUSIONS: Mammographic extent of microcalcifications positively affects sensitivity of breast MRI.

Can Breast Cancer Biopsy Influence Sentinel Lymph Node Status?

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated whether the needle size could influence metastasis occurrence in the axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) in ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) of breast cancer (BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data from all patients with breast lesions who had undergone US-CNB at our institution from January 2011 to January 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 377 BC cases were included using the following criteria: (1) percutaneous biopsy-proven invasive BC; and (2) SLN dissection with histopathologic examination. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the needle size used: 14 gauge versus 16 or 18 gauge. SLN metastasis classification followed the 7th American Joint Committee on Cancer (2010) TNM pathologic staging factors: macrometastases, micrometastases, isolated tumor cells, or negative. Only macrometastases and micrometastases were considered positive, and the positive and negative rates were calculated for the overall population and for both needle size groups. RESULTS: Of the 377 BC cases, 268 US-CNB procedures were performed using a 14-gauge needle and 109 with a 16- or 18-gauge needle, respectively. The negative rate was significantly related statistically with the needle size, with a greater prevalence in the 14-gauge group on both extemporaneous analysis (P = .019) and definitive analysis (P = .002). The macrometastasis rate was 17% (63 of 377) for the 14-gauge and 3% (12 of 377) for the 16- and 18-gauge needles, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results have suggested that use of a large needle size in CNB does not influence SLN status; thus, preoperative breast biopsy can be considered a safe procedure in the diagnosis of malignant breast lesions.

Hypervascularity Predicts Complete Pathologic Response to Chemotherapy and Late Outcomes in Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to investigate the relationship between asymmetric increase in breast vascularity (AIBV) and pathologic profiles of breast cancer. We also addressed the prognostic performance of AIBV and of vascular maps reduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) at surgery and outcome at follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred nineteen patients with unilateral locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) underwent magnetic resonance imaging before and after NAC. Axial, sagittal, and coronal maximum intensity projections were obtained in a subjective comparative evaluation. Asymmetrical versus symmetrical breast vascularity was defined through number of vessels, diameter, and signal intensity. Kaplan-Meier methodology was employed for late survival (31.4 ± 18 months follow-up). RESULTS: AIBV ipsilateral to LABC occurred in 62.5% (P < .001). AIBV was significantly associated with invasive ductal carcinoma, G3, triple-negative, HER2+, and hybrid phenotypes (P < .001). pCR was more frequent among patients with AIBV (24%) (P = .001). After NAC, the vascular map was significantly reduced, particularly in patients with pCR (P < .001). At follow-up, the recurrence rate was 22% (6.1% mortality). AIBV after NAC was associated with worse late survival (P = .036). A trend towards worse late survival existed among patients with AIBV before NAC. We did not observe statistically different survival according to the variation of vascularity after NAC. CONCLUSION: LABC with ipsilateral AIBV before NAC is associated with more aggressive pathologic profiles. Nonetheless, it is more sensitive to NAC and shows a higher frequency of pCR. The persistence of AIBV after NAC entails a worse late prognosis and should prompt more aggressive therapeutic strategies.

Magnetic resonance imaging appearance of oxidized regenerated cellulose in breast cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) implantation in surgical cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 51 MRI examinations performed between January 2009 and January 2014 in 51 patients who underwent BCS with ORC implantation. RESULTS: In 29/51 (57 %) cases, MRIs showed abnormal findings with three main MRI patterns: (1) complex masses: hyperintense collections on T2-weighted (w) images with internal round hypointense nodules without contrast enhancement (55 %); (2) completely hyperintense collections (17 %); and (3) completely hypointense lesions (28 %). All lesions showed rim enhancement on T1w images obtained in the late phase of the dynamic study with a type 1 curve. Diffusion-weighted imaging was negative in all MRIs and, in particular, 22/29 (76 %) lesions were hyperintense but showing ADC values >1.4 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, while the remaining 7/29 (24 %) lesions were hypointense. In four cases, linear non-mass-like enhancement was detected at the periphery of surgical cavity; these patients were addressed to a short-term follow-up, and the subsequent examinations showed the resolution of these findings. CONCLUSION: When applied to surgical residual cavity, ORC can lead alterations in surgical scar. This could induce radiologists to misinterpret ultrasonographic and mammographic findings, addressing patients to MRI or biopsy; so knowledge of MRI specific features of ORC, it is essential to avoid misdiagnosis of recurrence.

MRI anatomy of parametrial extension to better identify local pathways of disease spread in cervical cancer.

This paper highlights an updated anatomy of parametrial extension with emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of disease spread in the parametrium in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Pelvic landmarks were identified to assess the anterior and posterior extensions of the parametria, besides the lateral extension, as defined in a previous anatomical study. A series of schematic drawings and MRI images are shown to document the anatomical delineation of disease on MRI, which is crucial not only for correct image-based three-dimensional radiotherapy but also for the surgical oncologist, since neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery is emerging in Europe as a valid alternative to standard chemoradiation.

Persistent Urogenital Sinus: Diagnostic Imaging for Clinical Management. What Does the Radiologist Need to Know?

BACKGROUND: Persistent urogenital sinus (PUGS) is a congenital pathological condition characterized by an abnormal communication between the urethra and vagina. It may be a part of a complex syndrome and can be more often associated with congenital malformations affecting the genitourinary tract system (33%) such as intersex, rectovaginal communication, bladder agenesis, absence of vagina, and hydrocolpos. The correct radiological assessment of PUGS is especially useful for clinicians since the exact anatomical evaluation of this abnormality is a crucial factor for surgical planning. The imaging study modalities, which are essentially based on ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography, and magnetic resonance imaging, could be misinterpreted if not correctly performed. AIM: The aim of this article is to highlight this rare pathological condition and to help general radiologists in achieving the correct technical approach for the diagnosis. Special attention will be paid in discussing the role of different imaging modalities and their contribution to the diagnosis and clinical management of patients.

Mammographic and Ultrasonographic Findings of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose in Breast Cancer Surgery: A 5-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic (US) and mammographic (MX) findings in patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) implantation in the surgical cavity and their size variations in follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 417 MX and 743 US images performed between January 2009 and January 2014 for 262 women who underwent breast-conserving surgery. All patients underwent US, only 203 women underwent MX examination. RESULTS: In 170 of 262 patients, US examinations showed abnormal findings. Three main US patterns were identified: (1) complex masses: well-encapsulated ipoisoechoic lesions with circumscribed margins with internal hyperechoic nodules (56%); (2) hypoanechoic lesions without internal hyperechoic nodules (24%); and (3) completely anechoic collections (20%). Moreover, Doppler ultrasound examination was performed on all of the patients. In 95 of 203 patients, MX examinations showed abnormalities. Four main MX patterns were identified: (1) round or oval opacity with circumscribed margins (58%); (2) round or oval opacity with indistinct or ill-defined margins (17%); (3) irregular opacity with indistinct or spiculated margins (9%); and (4) architectural distortion or focal asymmetry (15%). Most of the lesions showed a decrease in size at US and MX follow-up examination and the decrease was statistically significant (P < .01). CONCLUSION: When applied to the surgical residual cavity, ORC aids to control local hemorrhage and reduce the risk of postoperative infections, but can lead to alterations in surgical scar. Thus, knowledge of the radiological findings might allow avoidance of misdiagnosis of tumor recurrence or unnecessary diagnostic examinations.

Magnetic resonance imaging features in triple-negative breast cancer: comparison with luminal and HER2-overexpressing tumors.

BACKGROUND: It has been ascertained that triple-negative (TN) breast cancer is characterized by an aggressive clinical course and a poor prognosis. The purpose of our study was to compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the 3 major different breast cancer subtypes (TN, luminal, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]-overexpressing) and to suggest the criteria that might predict TN phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2007 to April 2011, we studied 77 patients with histologically confirmed TN breast cancer who underwent breast MRI. We randomly included 148 patients with non-TN breast cancer (110 luminal and 38 HER-overexpressing) as a control group. We evaluated the clinicopathologic data, the MRI morphologic and kinetic features, the signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). RESULTS: Our results confirmed that TN tumors are more aggressive, are usually diagnosed at a younger age compared with the other study groups, and show benign morphologic features with MRI. Backward stepwise logistic regression identified some parameters as independent predictors of TN-type lesions: age, size, shape, presence of edema, and infiltrative characteristics. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, built with 4 of 5 these factors as criteria to predict TN status, showed a 0.664 area under the curve (AUC) value (sensitivity 58.4%, specificity 73.2%). The inclusion of the fifth criterion showed a 0.699 AUC value (sensitivity, 49.4%; specificity, 89.4%). CONCLUSION: We identified the clinicoradiologic parameters that are independent predictors of TN breast lesions, which might be helpful for earlier prediction of the TN status of a breast lesion.

Hepatic artery stenosis in liver transplantation: imaging and interventional treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Main purpose of our study is to demonstrate the spectral and color Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) findings that would indicate hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after liver transplantation and to report our single center results. Moreover we want to establish role and limits of the different imaging techniques in detecting HAS, proposing a non invasive diagnostic approach and to depict indications and feasibility of endovascular treatment in the single patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study consisted of 222 patients who underwent liver transplantation between January 1999 and December 2009. DUS findings were correlated with multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) and angiographic results. RESULTS: HAS occurred in 21 cases (9.5%). In all cases diagnosis was performed by DUS. MDCTA quantified stenosis and showed an overall picture of splanchnic vascularization. Based on DUS and MDCTA data integration, in 9 cases we adopted the "wait and see" strategy. Moreover in 12 cases treatment was considered necessary. For hepatic artery stenosis, use of DUS criteria resulted in a sensitivity of 100% (20/20), a specificity of 99.5% (201/202), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95% (20/21), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% (201/201), and an overall accuracy of 99.5% (221/222). CONCLUSION: Our study underline the role of DUS in early diagnosis of HAS: repeated evaluation of both direct and indirect signs increases NPV and sensitivity of DUS.

Cystic breast lesions: sonographic findings and clinical management.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews basic sonographic findings for distinguishing cystic lesions of the breast. METHODS: We describe sonographic features of simple and complicated cysts in comparison with complex masses and intracystic carcinomas. RESULTS: We correlate cystic lesion appearances with histologic patterns and illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of cystic breast lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is a useful tool in distinguishing simple cysts from complicated cysts and complex masses of the breast.

DWI in breast MRI: role of ADC value to determine diagnosis between recurrent tumor and surgical scar in operated patients.

INTRODUCTION: Purpose of our study is to evaluate the role of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the diagnosis of recurrent tumor on the scar in patients operated for breast cancer. Assess, therefore, the weight of diagnostic diffusion echo-planar sequence, in association with the morphological and dynamic sequences in the diagnosis of tumor recurrence versus surgical scar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2007 to March 2009, 72 patients operated for breast cancer with suspected recurrence on the scar were consecutively subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including use of a diffusion sequence. All patients with pathological enhancement in the scar were then subjected to histological typing. MRI was considered negative in the absence of areas of suspicious enhancement. In all cases it was measured the ADC value in the scar area or in the area with pathological enhancement. The ADC values were compared with MRI findings and histological results obtained. RESULTS: 26 cases were positive/doubtful at MRI and then subjected to histological typing: of these recurrences were 20 and benign were 6. 46 cases were judged negative at MRI and therefore not sent to cyto-histology. The average ADC value of recurrences was statistically lower of scarring (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ADC value can be a specific parameter in differential diagnosis between recurrence and scar. The diffusion sequence, in association with the morphological and dynamic sequences, can be considered a promising tool for the surgical indication in suspected recurrence of breast cancer.